Students are why she comes to work
Teacher Chandra McCloud wins a grant and gives back to her students
Northwest School of the Arts dance teacher Chandra McCloud-Glover has
won a $25,000 prize from the MyWhy contest sponsored by Truliant Federal
Credit Union. She plans to use her award to help some of her financially
struggling dance students.
“I initially wanted to enter the contest so I could put a down payment on
a home,” said McCloud-Glover. “That all changed after some of my students
told me they’d been accepted into summer intensive-dance programs but
couldn’t afford to go. That’s when I knew my students had to be my why.”
Participants were asked to submit a video or photograph stating why
they deserved to win. McCloud submitted a short video explaining how a
scholarship program would help fund student field trips, intensive dance
courses, local dance classes and dancewear.
“Students need the proper clothing and shoes for their dance disciplines
and it can get expensive. Pointe shoes for ballet dancers can range from $50
to $130,” said McCloud-Glover.
Students will be able to apply for McCloud-Glover’s scholarship, called
Walk in Your Excellence, by writing a one-page essay about why they need it
and how it will help them reach their goals. They also have to agree to pay it
forward one day.
“It’s important that my students understand to give to others. They
don’t have to give money. They can give their time or be a good friend to
someone,” said McCloud-Glover. “The reason I became a dancer was because
I wanted to express myself and to choreograph pieces that had meaning. I
take that same approach in ^H XX